WTI APS-8M User manual

WTI Part No. 13202
Rev. C
APS-8M
Asynchronous Port Switch
with Internal Modem
Firmware Version 2.30
User's Guide

Warnings and Cautions:
No Serviceable Parts Inside;
Authorized Service Personnel Only
Do not attempt to repair or service this device yourself. Internal
components must be serviced by authorized personnel only.
•Shock Hazard - Do Not Enter
Nameplate Power Warning
This device should only be operated with the type of power source
indicated on the instrument nameplate. If you are not sure of the
type of power service available, consult your local power company.
•Connect unit only to a properly measured supply. Use only
three wire cord which is provided with the unit.
•Reliable earthing of this equipment must be maintained.
Particular attention should be given to supply connections
when connecting to power strips, rather than direct
connections to the branch circuit.
Rack Mount Installation
When installing this device in an instrument rack, the following
factors must be accounted for:
1. Enclosed Racks: Enclosed racks must provide adequate
ventilation. Make certain that the rack is not overly crowded
and note that each unit in the rack generates its own heat. An
enclosed rack should have louvered sides and a fan to
circulate cooling air.
When mounting the unit in an enclosed rack with a ventilation
fan at the top of the rack, note that excessive heat generated
by devices at the bottom of the rack can be drawn upward and
into the ventilation slots of units located at the top. Make
certain to provide adequate ventilation for equipment installed
at the bottom of the rack.
(Continued)
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Rack Mount Installation (Continued)
1. Enclosed Racks (Continued):
The ambient within the rack may be greater than room
ambient. Installation should be such that the amount of air
flow required for safe operation is not compromised. The
maximum temperature for the equipment in this environment
is 45°C. Consideration should be given to the maximum rated
ambient.
Installation should be such that a hazardous stability condition
is not achieved due to uneven loading.
2. Open Racks: Make certain that the rack frame does not block
the ventilation slots on the instrument cover. If the device is
installed on sliders, check the unit when seated all the way
into the rack to make certain that ventilation slots are not
blocked.
Ventilation
Slots in the instrument cover are provided to allow ventilation for
heat dissipation. To ensure safe, reliable operation, these openings
must not be covered or blocked.
Disconnect Power
If any of the following events are noted, immediately disconnect the
unit from the outlet and contact qualified service personnel:
1. If the power cord becomes frayed or damaged.
2. If liquid has been spilled into the device or if the device has
been exposed to rain or water.
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APS-8M User’s Guide

Table of Contents
1. Introduction............................................1-1
2. Unit Description ........................................2-1
2.1. Front Panel ...........................................2-1
2.2. Back Panel ...........................................2-2
3. Getting Started .........................................3-1
4. Hardware Installation...................................4-1
4.1. Connecting Power to the APS Unit ......................4-1
4.1.1. AC Powered Units..............................4-1
4.1.2. DC Powered Units..............................4-1
4.2. Configure SetUp Switches ..............................4-2
4.2.1. Default Baud Rate (Sw1, Sw2, Sw3) ..............4-3
4.2.2. Default Handshake (Sw4, Sw5) ..................4-4
4.2.3. Default Response Message Format (Sw6) .........4-5
4.2.4. Default Command Echo (Sw7) ...................4-5
4.3. Initialize Unit to Default Settings .......................4-6
4.4. Connecting Devices to the APS .........................4-6
5. Configuration ..........................................5-1
5.1. Access to the APS Command Mode ......................5-1
5.2. System SetUp Ports....................................5-2
5.3. Password Functions....................................5-2
5.4. The System Parameters Menu ...........................5-3
5.4.1. The Password Directory.........................5-5
5.4.2. The Dial Back Function .........................5-8
5.5. Port Configuration....................................5-10
5.5.1. Configuration Conventions .....................5-10
5.5.2. Port Modes ...................................5-11
5.5.3. RS232 Port Configuration Menus ...............5-12
5.5.4. The Invalid Access Lockout Feature .............5-17
5.6. Copying Parameters to All Ports .......................5-18
5.7. Save User Selected Parameters .........................5-19
6. The Internal Modem ....................................6-1
6.1. Communicating with the Internal Modem.................6-1
6.2. Common AT Commands................................6-2
7. The Status Screens ......................................7-1
7.1. The Port Status Screen (/S) .............................7-1
7.2. The Port Diagnostics Screen (/SD).......................7-2
7.3. The Port Parameters Screens (/W) ......................7-4
7.4. The Password Directory Screen (/V) ....................7-4
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8. Operation ..............................................8-1
8.1. Any-to-Any Mode .....................................8-1
8.1.1. Port Connection and Disconnection...............8-1
8.1.2. Defining Hunt Groups ..........................8-4
8.2. Passive Mode .........................................8-6
8.3. Buffer Mode ..........................................8-6
8.3.1. Reading Data from Buffer Mode Ports ............8-7
8.3.2. Port Buffers ...................................8-8
8.4. Modem Mode .........................................8-8
9. Saving and Restoring Configuration Parameters ..........9-1
9.1. Sending Parameters to a File ............................9-1
9.2. Restoring Saved Parameters ............................9-2
10. Upgrading APS-8M Firmware ..........................10-1
11. Command Reference Guide .............................11-1
11.1. Command Conventions................................11-1
11.2. Command Response ..................................11-2
11.3. Command Summary ..................................11-3
11.4. Command Set ........................................11-4
Appendices
A. RS232 Port Interface .................................Apx-1
B. Specifications ........................................Apx-2
C. Customer Service ....................................Apx-3
List of Figures
2.1. Instrument Front Panel ......................................2-1
2.2. Instrument Back Panel .......................................2-2
3.1. The Supervisor Level Help Screen ............................3-2
3.2. The Port Status Screen.......................................3-3
4.1. Terminal Block Assembly (DC Units Only) ....................4-1
5.1. The System Parameters Menu (/F).............................5-4
5.2. The Edit Password Directory Menu............................5-5
5.3. The Add Name/Password Menu (Defaults Shown) ..............5-6
5.4. The Edit/Delete Name/Password Menu (Sample Values Shown)...5-7
5.5. Port Configuration Menu (Port 1 Shown) .....................5-12
5.6. Port Parameters Menu; Modem Mode (Port 3 Shown) ..........5-14
5.7. The Copy Port Parameters Menu .............................5-18
7.1. The Port Status Screen.......................................7-1
7.2. The Port Diagnostics Screen (Defaults Shown) .................7-3
7.3. The Port Parameters Screen (Port 1 Shown) ....................7-4
7.4. The Password Directory Screen (Sample Values Shown) .........7-5
A.1. RS232 Port Interface......................................Apx-1
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APS-8M User’s Guide

1. Introduction
WTI’s APS-8M Asynchronous Port Switch allows reliable, high-
speed connections between PCs, modems, and other devices using
dissimilar baud rates, parity, and flow control. The APS-8M
supports communication at speeds up to 115.2 Kbps, and features
full RTS/CTS hardware handshaking and a 33.6K internal modem.
Lightening-swift data throughput and full flow control make the
APS-8M the perfect data switch for today’s high speed
communications applications.
Versatile Connectivity
Up to seven different devices can be connected to the APS-8M
without the need to select a common baud rate or parity. Each port
can be individually configured for specific baud rates, parity,
handshaking, and various other parameters and options.
Easy Set-Up and Operation
Configuration of the APS-8M is simple. A menuing system is used
to select communications parameters, and enable or disable options.
The APS-8M can easily adapt to the requirements of almost any data
communications application.
Password Protected Connection and Command Access
The APS-8M provides two levels of user security; the Supervisor
level and the Non-Supervisor level. The Supervisor level, which is
intended for use by system managers and other administrators,
provides complete access to all port connection / disconnection
functions, operating features and configuration menus, and also
allows access to any port on the switch. The Non-Supervisor level
is ideal for colocation applications, since users are only permitted to
view status and connect to the ports allowed by their password.
Internal Modem
The APS-8M features a 33.6K MutliTech format Internal modem;
this simplifies the procedure for setting up the unit for out-of-band
access to command features.
Non-Volatile Memory
If power to the unit is lost or interrupted, the APS-8M’s non-volatile
memory will retain user-defined parameters and port connections.
1-1

Modem Communication
The APS-8M can be controlled by a local PC that communicates
with the unit via cable, or controlled remotely via external modem.
Hyperterminal (or another communications program) is used to send
commands to connect ports or display status.
Configuration Backup
Once you have configured the APS-8M to fit your application,
parameters and options can be saved to an ASCII text file on your
PC. This allows you to quickly restore user-selected parameters if
the unit configuration is accidentally altered or deleted. Saved
parameters can also be uploaded to other APS-8M units. This
allows rapid set-up when several units will be configured with
identical or similar parameters.
Typographic Conventions
^(e.g. ^X) Indicates a control character. For example,
the text "^X" (Control X) indicates the [Ctrl]
key and the [X] key must be pressed
simultaneously.
COURIER FONT Indicates characters typed on the keyboard.
For example, /E or /P 02.
[Bold Font] Text set in bold face and enclosed in square
brackets, indicates a specific key.
For example, [Enter] or [Esc].
<> Indicates required keyboard entries:
For Example: /P <n>.
[] Indicates optional keyboard entries.
For Example: /W [n].
1-2
APS-8M User’s Guide

2. Unit Description
2.1. Front Panel
¬CLEAR: Restarts the APS operating program without
changing user-selected parameter settings or breaking
port connections.
ON: Lights when AC Power is applied.
®SET: Used to Initialize the APS to defaults specified by the
SetUp Switches. To initialize, press and hold both the SET
and CLEAR buttons, release only the CLEAR button, and then
release the SET button.
Notes:
·During initialization, all port LEDs will flash ON for
approximately one half second.
·During initialization, all command-selected parameters
will be cleared, and the APS will revert to the default
parameters specified by the SetUp Switches.
¯RDY: Flashes to indicate unit is operational.
°ACTIVITY LEDs: Light when corresponding port is
receiving data.
2-1
Figure 2.1: Instrument Front Panel

2.2. Back Panel
¬Power Cable Receptacle AC powered units only. DC units
include a terminal block assembly as described in
Section 4.1.2.
Power Switch
®SetUp Switches: A bank of eight DIP switches, which set
default communication parameters and other features as
described in Section 4.2.
¯Internal Modem Port: For connection to your telco line. For
information regarding modem configuration, please refer to
Section 5.5.3.
°RS232 PORTS: For connection to RS232 console ports on
user devices. For more information, please refer to
Section 4.4 (connection instructions), Appendix A (interface
description), and Section 5.2 (Setup Ports).
2-2
APS-8M User’s Guide
Figure 2.2: Instrument Back Panel